U.S. patent application number 13/524600 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-11 for method of and system for automatically switching between free directory assistance service and chargeable directory assistance service.
Invention is credited to Robert C. Detrie, Richard J. Oldach, Michael Pellegrino, Dwight E. Scott.
Application Number | 20120257735 13/524600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40591355 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120257735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oldach; Richard J. ; et
al. |
October 11, 2012 |
METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHING BETWEEN FREE
DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SERVICE AND CHARGEABLE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
SERVICE
Abstract
A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes
receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining
via a free directory-assistance service whether information
corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available,
responsive to a determination that the information is available,
presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the
caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is
not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a
chargeable directory-assistance service.
Inventors: |
Oldach; Richard J.;
(Hopkinton, MA) ; Pellegrino; Michael; (Whitehouse
Station, NJ) ; Scott; Dwight E.; (Buena Park, CA)
; Detrie; Robert C.; (Penfield, NY) |
Family ID: |
40591355 |
Appl. No.: |
13/524600 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12257454 |
Oct 24, 2008 |
8233608 |
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13524600 |
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60983897 |
Oct 30, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
379/114.05 ;
379/218.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2215/8183 20130101;
H04M 3/493 20130101; H04M 3/5166 20130101; H04M 3/4878 20130101;
G06Q 30/0212 20130101; H04M 3/4931 20130101; H04M 3/4935 20130101;
H04M 2215/0192 20130101; H04M 3/42068 20130101; H04M 3/42306
20130101; H04M 3/58 20130101; H04M 3/4933 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/114.05 ;
379/218.01 |
International
Class: |
H04M 15/00 20060101
H04M015/00; H04M 3/42 20060101 H04M003/42 |
Claims
1. A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call, the method
comprising: receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller;
determining via a free directory-assistance service whether
information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is
available; responsive to a determination that the information is
available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of
charge to the caller; and responsive to a determination that the
information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance
call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.
2. The method of claim 1, comprising charging the caller for
utilizing the chargeable directory-assistance service.
3. The method of claim 2, comprising presenting, via the chargeable
directory-assistance service, the information to the caller.
4. The method of claim 1, comprising, prior to the step of
presenting, via the chargeable directory-assistance service, the
information to the caller, forwarding at least a portion of the
directory-assistance request to the chargeable directory-assistance
service.
5. The method of claim 3, comprising, prior to the step of
presenting, via the chargeable directory-assistance service, the
information to the caller, the chargeable directory-assistance
service requesting the caller to provide the directory-assistance
request.
6. The method according to claim 1, comprising, responsive to a
determination that the information is not available, presenting to
the caller an option of accepting or denying redirection of the
directory-assistance call to the chargeable directory-assistance
service; and responsive to acceptance of the redirection,
performing the redirecting step.
7. The method of claim 6, comprising, responsive to denial by the
caller of the redirection, terminating the directory-assistance
call.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the directory-assistance request
comprises a request for a listing.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the listing is for a wireless
telephone.
10. The method of claim 1, comprising, prior to the step of
presenting to the caller the information free of charge to the
caller, presenting to the caller at least one advertisement.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of presenting to the
caller at least one advertisement comprises: determining call
attributes of the directory-assistance call; accessing, utilizing
at least some of the call attributes, a profile of the caller;
selecting at least one advertisement based, at least in part, on
the profile; and presenting, to the caller, the at least one
selected advertisement.
12. An article of manufacture for redirecting a
directory-assistance call, the article of manufacture comprising:
at least one computer readable medium; processor instructions
contained on the at least one computer readable medium, the
processor instructions configured to be readable from the at least
one computer readable medium by at least one processor and thereby
cause the at least one processor to operate as to perform the
following steps: receiving a directory-assistance request from a
caller; determining via a free directory-assistance service whether
information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is
available; responsive to a determination that the information is
available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of
charge to the caller; and responsive to a determination that the
information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance
call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.
13. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the processor
instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to
operate as to perform the following step: charging the caller for
utilizing the chargeable operator directory-assistance service.
14. The article of manufacture of claim 13, wherein the processor
instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to
operate as to perform the following step: presenting, via the
chargeable directory-assistance service, the information to the
caller.
15. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the processor
instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to
operate as to perform the following step: forwarding at least a
portion of the directory-assistance request to the chargeable
directory-assistance service prior to presenting, via the
chargeable directory-assistance service, the information to the
caller.
16. The article of manufacture of claim 14, wherein the processor
instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to
operate as to perform the following step: requesting the caller to
provide the directory-assistance request prior to presenting, via
the chargeable directory-assistance service, the information to the
caller.
17. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the processor
instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to
operate as to perform the following steps: responsive to a
determination that the information is not available, presenting to
the caller an option of accepting or denying redirection of the
directory-assistance call to the chargeable directory-assistance
service; and responsive to acceptance of the redirection,
performing the redirection.
18. The article of manufacture of claim 17, wherein the processor
instructions are configured to cause the at least one processor to
operate as to perform the following step: terminating the
directory-assistance call responsive to denial by the caller of the
redirection.
19. The article of manufacture of claim 12, wherein the
directory-assistance request comprises a request for a listing.
20. The article of manufacture of claim 19, wherein the listing is
for a wireless telephone.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/257,454, filed on Oct. 24, 2008. U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/257,454 claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/983,897, filed on Oct. 30,
2007. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/257,454, U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/983,897, and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/862,995, filed on Sep. 27, 2007, are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates in general to the field of
directory assistance and, in particular, to automatically
redirecting a directory-assistance call between a free
directory-assistance service and a chargeable directory-assistance
service.
[0004] 2. History Of Related Art
[0005] Directory assistance has existed virtually since the onset
of the public switched telephone system. As telephone networks grew
in complexity, increased demand for directory-assistance followed
and automation became necessary to control costs associated with
providing listing information to callers. Many of these services
are automated and implemented through automated prompting and
speech recognition systems known in the art. Hardware and software
are typically utilized to recognize names and numbers spoken by a
requesting caller.
[0006] For example, in a typical free directory assistance call in
the United States, a caller dials a specific phone number such as,
for example, 1-800-CALLERS for a local exchange area and receives a
pre-recorded prompt "Directory assistance: For what city please;"
once the city is voiced, there is a prompt: "For what listing;" and
in response to the prompt and depending on a response the caller
gives, a desired telephone number is announced through a
speech-synthesized announcement. However, if the desired telephone
number is unlisted or if the caller's response is not recognized by
the automated prompting and speech recognition system, the
directory assistance system so informs the caller. The caller is
required to hang up without being able to obtain the desired
telephone number of the listing and must dial a separate number for
directory assistance.
[0007] The caller is often forced to use other directory-assistance
means such as, for example, a directory-assistance service that
allows the caller to call a directory-assistance operator and
request a telephone number of a listing. The directory-assistance
operators manually find listings according to a caller's request.
If the requested telephone number is listed, the directory-
assistance operator communicates the telephone number of the
listing to the caller. Most directory assistance services using a
live directory-assistance operator currently charge for the lookup
of names, addresses and telephone numbers. This can be costly and
many customers find such directory-assistance charges to be
excessive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call. The
method includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a
caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether
information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is
available, and responsive to a determination that the information
is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of
charge to the caller. The method further includes redirecting the
directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance
service responsive to a determination that the information is not
available.
[0009] An article of manufacture for redirecting a
directory-assistance call. The article of manufacture includes at
least one computer readable medium and processor instructions
contained on the at least one computer readable medium. The
processor instructions configured to be readable from the at least
one computer readable medium by at least one processor and thereby
cause the at least one processor to operate as to perform the steps
of receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller,
determining via a free directory-assistance service whether
information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is
available, responsive to a determination that the information is
available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of
charge to the caller, and responsive to a determination that the
information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance
call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.
[0010] A directory-assistance call redirecting system. The system
includes a free directory-assistance system adapted to determine
whether information corresponding to a directory-assistance request
is available and present, to the caller, the information free of
charge to the caller responsive to a determination that the
information is available. The system further includes a chargeable
operator directory-assistance system interoperably coupled to the
free directory-assistance system and adapted to present, to the
caller, the information responsive to a determination by the free
directory-assistance system that the information is not
available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A more complete understanding of the method and system of
the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following
Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying Drawings wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a first
directory-assistance-based redirecting system;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a second
directory-assistance-based redirecting system;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a free
directory-assistance system;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a chargeable
operator-service system;
[0016] FIGS. 4A-B illustrate a flow diagram of a
directory-assistance-based redirecting process;
[0017] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a flow diagram of a
directory-assistance-based redirecting process; and
[0018] FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a flow diagram of a
directory-assistance-based redirecting process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE
Embodiments of the Invention
[0019] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be
described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be constructed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of a directory-assistance
based redirecting system 100. A public switched telephone network
(PSTN) 110 provides callers associated with communication devices
102, 104, 106, 108 access to a free directory-assistance system
(DAS) 112 and a chargeable operator service system (OSS) 114. The
communication devices 102, 104, 106, 108 may be, for example,
wireline telephones, wireless telephones, personal computers, and
the like. Although described in conjunction with the PSTN 110,
concepts of the invention are equally applicable to wireless or
internet telephony directory-assistance. The free DAS 112 is
connected to the chargeable OSS 114 via a data link 116. Callers
102, 104, 106, 108 typically are connected to the free DAS 112 via
a telephony interface (shown in FIG. 2).
[0021] When a caller associated with a communications device 102,
104, 106, 108 places a call requesting directory assistance, the
telephony interface (shown in FIG. 2) routes the call to
appropriate circuitry within the free DAS 112. The
directory-assistance call may be, for example, a call made to
determine a listing. In a typical embodiment, the listing may be,
for example, a specific wireline or wireless telephone number
and/or address of a residence or business. The directory-assistance
call may come from, for example, a wireline telephone, a wireless
(cellular) telephone, a VOIP (Internet) telephone, a Satellite
telephone, or a personal computer. For example, the caller 102,
104, 106, 108 may reach the free DAS 112 by dialing a specific
phone number such as, for example, 1-800-CALLERS. After a
connection to the free DAS 112 has been established, the free DAS
112 typically provides marketing information such as, for example,
at least one advertisement to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108. The at
least one advertisement may be, for example, a recorded
announcement of an audible or visual nature. The at least one
advertisement presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is often
selected randomly from a plurality of advertisements stored at
advertisement servers 226 and 228 (shown in FIG. 2) of the free DAS
112.
[0022] Typically, after the at least one advertisement is presented
to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108, the free DAS 112 gathers
information from the directory-assistance call. The information
gathered may be, for example, listing information, caller name,
caller phone number, caller location, type of directory assistance
required, and any other pertinent information related to the call
or the caller 102, 104, 106, 108. In a typical embodiment, at least
some of the gathered information may be determined via a variety of
means such as, for example, caller ID, calling number area code and
exchange code, wireless phone encoded location, and the like.
[0023] In order to gather information from the directory-assistance
call, the free DAS 112 typically forwards to the caller 102, 104,
106, 108, a pre-recorded prompt such as "Directory assistance: For
what city please?" once the city is voiced by the caller 102, 104,
106, 108, there is a prompt such as: "For what listing?" In
response to the prompt and depending on the response of the caller
102, 104, 106, 108, the free DAS 112 searches a database within the
free DAS 112 for the telephone number of the listing request. If
the desired telephone number is recognized by the free DAS 112, the
telephone number is announced through a speech synthesized
announcement of the free DAS 112 to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
Prior to announcing the number to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108,
the free DAS 112 often provides additional marketing information
such as, for example, at least one advertisement to the caller 102,
104, 106, 108. The at least one advertisement may be, for example,
a recorded announcement of an audible or visual nature. The
advertisements presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 may be
selected in an intelligent manner from a plurality of
advertisements by assessing a caller's profile at the free DAS 112.
For example, if the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 places a call to the
free DAS 112 and is interested in obtaining the telephone number
for a pizza restaurant, an advertisement for pizza specials in the
caller's locality will likely have a much higher impact on the
caller and be received with a much higher level of interest than by
someone who is merely watching the evening news and is presented a
televised advertisement for a pizza restaurant. The intelligent
marketing is achieved by accessing the profile for the caller 102,
104, 106, 108 stored at the free DAS 112. The advertisements may be
presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 via, for example, a
recorded announcement, a text message, an e-mail message, an SMS
message, or any other suitable means.
[0024] However, if the desired telephone number corresponding to
the listing request is unlisted or if the caller's response is not
recognized by the automated prompting and speech recognition system
of the free DAS 112, the free DAS 112 informs the caller that the
listing request is not recognized or the desired telephone number
corresponding to the listing request is unavailable. The free DAS
112 is automated and typically does not employ the services of live
directory-assistance operators to handle the listing, for example,
if the desired telephone number is unlisted or if the caller's
response is not recognized by the automated prompting and speech
recognition system of the free DAS 112. In a typical system, the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 hangs up without being able to obtain the
desired telephone number of the listing and must dial a separate
number to obtain further directory assistance.
[0025] In a typical embodiment, if the free DAS 112 is unable to
provide the desired telephone number or other predefined requested
information of the listing request to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108, the free DAS 112 provides a pre-recorded prompt to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 such as, for example, "Would you like to be
transferred to a chargeable directory assistance system?" If the
caller's response is negative, the free DAS 112 terminates the
call. However, if the caller's response is positive, the free DAS
112 automatically redirects the directory-assistance call to a
chargeable directory-assistance service such as, for example, the
chargeable operator service system (OSS) 114. The chargeable OSS
114 may be, for example, a directory-assistance service utilizing
live directory-assistance operators. In a typical embodiment, the
directory-assistance call may be redirected between the free DAS
112 and the chargeable OSS 114 via, for example, a release link
transfer method. The information gathered by the free DAS 112 is
processed within the free DAS 112 and forwarded to the chargeable
OSS 114 via the data link 116. The data transmission between the
free DAS 112 and the chargeable OSS 114 typically occurs in
real-time or near real-time.
[0026] FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of a second
directory-assistance based redirecting system 100. As shown, in
this embodiment, the chargeable OSS 114 is integrated into the free
DAS 112 of the directory-assistance based redirecting system
100.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the free directory-assistance
system (DAS) 112. The free DAS 112 includes a central processing
unit (CPU) 202 having memory 204 with software 206 to control
operation of the free DAS 112. The CPU 202 is typically associated
with a network interface 210 for communication over, for example, a
packet-switched network with systems such as, for example, the
chargeable OSS 114. The free DAS 112 further includes a telephony
interface 208, which may be, for example, a switch. The telephony
interface 208 is adapted to interact with the caller 102, 104, 106,
108 over a telephonic connection. The CPU 202 may include or be
associated with necessary hardware and software to provide
greetings to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108, ask the caller 102,
104, 106, 108 for desired listings and locality, and store and
forward the caller's response. The CPU 202 and the software 206 are
configured to facilitate free directory-assistance operations by
interacting with components within the free DAS 112.
[0028] The free DAS 112 further includes call screening circuitry
(CSC) 216 and a voice feature node (VFN) 214. The CSC 216 includes
at least one server 218 and at least one database 220. The CSC 216
is adapted to determine attributes of a call. In various
embodiments, the database 220 may be implemented using, for
example, Oracle.TM., MS Access.TM. databases, MS SQL, IBM DB2, and
the like. For exemplary purposes, only one server 218 and one
database 220 are shown; however, any number of servers and
databases may be present within the CSC 216 as needed. The call
attributes may include, for example, telephone number of the
caller, name of the caller, location of the caller, time of the
directory-assistance call, and the like.
[0029] The VFN 214 includes a plurality of servers 222, 224. The
VFN 214 receives the call attributes from the CSC 216 and prompts
the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 for the listing request. The VFN 214
recognizes the listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108
using, for example, a speech recognition system 224. The speech
recognition system 224 recognizes and interprets spoken language
from caller 102, 104, 106, 108. In a typical embodiment, the speech
recognition system 224 may be implemented as a server running the
WINDOWS XP operating system from Microsoft Corporation or other
suitable operating systems such as, for example, Unix, Linux, and
the like. The speech recognition system 224 may also include
special hardware, as known in the art, for assisting in recognizing
speech patterns. The speech recognition system 224 may also execute
one or more programs specifically designed to implement various
functions of embodiments of the present invention. Such programs
may be written in any standard programming language such as, for
example, C or C++.
[0030] The free DAS system 112 includes caller-profile circuitry
(CPC) 230. The CPC 230 includes at least one server 240 and at
least one database 242. The at least one database 242 is adapted to
store profiles for each caller 102, 104, 106, 108. The profiles and
historical records associated with the callers are updated every
time the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 places a call requesting
directory-assistance. The profiles help the free DAS 112 determine
what a particular caller 102, 104. 106, 108 is interested in and
which advertisement(s) to present to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
By better assessment of what a particular caller 102, 104, 106, 108
is interested in at the moment, the directory-assistance-based
redirecting system 100 targets the caller's scope of interest with
advertisements. In various embodiments, the database 242 may be
implemented using, for example, Oracle.TM., MS Access.TM.
databases, MS SQL, IBM DB2, and the like. For exemplary purposes,
only one server 240 and one database 242 are shown; however, any
number of servers and databases may be present within the CPC 230
as needed.
[0031] The free DAS 112 further includes a plurality of
advertisement servers 226, 228. The advertisement servers 226, 228
store a plurality of advertisements that may be presented to the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108. For example, the advertisements to be
presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 may be selected by
reviewing the caller's profile at the CPC 230 and the listing
request identified by the VFN 214. In some embodiments, the types
of advertisements to be presented are controlled to a highly
specific degree. For example, if a caller 102, 104, 106, 108 places
a call to the free DAS 112 and is interested in obtaining the
number for a pizza restaurant, a plurality of advertisements for
pizza specials in the caller's locality may be presented.
[0032] The free DAS 112 further includes an operator service system
(OSS) interface 244 adapted to communicate with the chargeable OSS
114 and automatically redirect a directory-assistance call between
the free DAS 112 to a chargeable directory assistance service such,
for example, the chargeable OSS 114. In a typical embodiment, if
the free DAS 112 is unable to provide the telephone number or other
predefined requested information of the listing request to the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108, the free DAS 112 presents a pre-recorded
prompt to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 such as "Would you like to
be transferred to a chargeable directory assistance system?" If the
caller's response is negative, the free DAS 112 terminates the
call. However, if the caller's response is positive, the free DAS
112 automatically redirects, via the OSS interface 244, the
directory-assistance call to the chargeable OSS 114. In a typical
embodiment, the directory-assistance call may be redirected between
the free DAS 112 and the chargeable OSS 114 via, for example, a
release link transfer method. The chargeable OSS 114 may be, for
example, a directory assistance service utilizing live
directory-assistance operators. The information gathered by the
free DAS 112 is processed within the free DAS 112 and forwarded to
the chargeable OSS 114 via the data link 116. In a typical
embodiment, the data transmission between the free DAS 112 and the
chargeable OSS 114 typically occurs in real-time or near
real-time.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the chargeable operator service
system (OSS) 114. The chargeable OSS 114 includes a switching and
signaling component 302, which may include, for example, a switch.
The switching and signaling component 302 is provided to interact
with the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 over a telephonic connection.
The switching and signaling component 302 is further adapted to
communicate over, for example, a packet-switched network with
systems such as, for example, the free DAS 112. The chargeable OSS
114 also includes automation circuitry 303. The automation
circuitry 303 includes a plurality of servers 304, 305. The
automation circuitry 303 is adapted to automate the transferred
directory-assistance call and prompt the caller 102, 104, 106, 108
for the listing request. The automation circuitry 303 recognizes
the listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 using, for
example, a speech recognition system 305. The speech recognition
system 305 recognizes and interprets spoken language from caller
102, 104, 106, 108. In a typical embodiment, the speech recognition
system 305 may be implemented as a server running the WINDOWS XP
operating system from Microsoft Corporation or other suitable
operating systems such as, for example, Unix, Linux, and the like.
The speech recognition system 305 may also include special
hardware, as known in the art, for assisting in recognizing speech
patterns. The speech recognition system 305 may also execute one or
more programs specifically designed to implement various functions
of embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may be
written in any standard programming language such as, for example,
C or C++.
[0034] The automation circuitry 303 is further adapted to determine
if automated directory assistance is appropriate for the
transferred directory-assistance call or whether the transferred
directory assistance call should be handled by a
directory-assistance operator 306. The directory-assistance
operator 306 is typically a live human operator assigned to the
call. When the telephone number corresponding to the listing
request is determined, the directory-assistance call is transferred
to an information delivery component 308. The information delivery
component 308 is adapted to provide the telephone number
corresponding to the listing request to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108.
[0035] The chargeable OSS 114 also includes a caller data circuitry
(CDC) 310. The CDC 310 includes at least one server 314 and at
least one database 316. The at least one database 316 is adapted to
store profiles and preferences for each caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
The profiles and preferences associated with the callers 102, 104,
106, 108 are updated every time the caller 102, 104, 106, 108
places a call requesting directory-assistance. The preferences may
be, for example, permission granted by the caller 102, 104, 106,
108 to automatically redirect a directory-assistance call between
the free DAS 112 and the chargeable OSS 114 without permission from
the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 every time the free DAS 112 is unable
to recognize the listing request. In various embodiments, the
database 316 may be implemented using, for example, Oracle.TM., MS
Access.TM. databases, MS SQL, IBM DB2, and the like. For exemplary
purposes, only one server 314 and one database 316 are shown;
however, any number of servers and databases may be present within
the CDC 310 as needed. In some embodiments, the profiles and
preferences for each caller 102, 104, 106, 108 may be stored within
the free DAS 112. The chargeable OSS 114 further includes a data
link 116 forming a communications path between the free DAS 112 and
the chargeable OSS 114. The data link 116 is adapted to pass data
between the free DAS 112 and the chargeable OSS 114 regarding the
directory-assistance call.
[0036] FIGS. 4A-B illustrate a flow diagram of a
directory-assistance based redirecting process 400. For
illustrative purposes, the process 400 will be described in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-3. The process 400 starts at step 402. At
step 404, a caller associated with one of the communication devices
102, 104, 106, 108 places a call requesting information to the free
directory-assistance system (DAS) 112. For example, the caller 102,
104, 106, 108 may reach the free DAS 112 by dialing a specific
phone number such as, for example, 1-800-CALLERS. At step 406, the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to the free DAS 112. At step
408, marketing information is provided to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The marketing information may be, for example, at least one
advertisement. The at least one advertisement may be, for example,
a recorded announcement of an audible or visual nature. The at
least one advertisement presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108
is often selected randomly from a plurality of advertisements
stored, for example, at the advertisement servers 226 and 228.
[0037] At step 410, the voice feature node (VFN) 214 prompts the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 for a listing request. In some
embodiments, the VFN 214 utilizes a speech recognition system 224
to recognize the listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. In a typical embodiment, the speech recognition system 224 may
not be integrated into the VFN 214. In other embodiments, the
speech recognition system 224 may be integrated into the VFN 214.
The speech recognition system 224 recognizes and interprets spoken
language from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108. At step 411, a
response from the caller is received. At step 412, it is determined
whether the speech recognition system 224 has recognized the
listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
[0038] If it is determined at step 412 that the speech recognition
system 224 has recognized the listing request, the process 400
proceeds to step 413. At step 413, it is determined if a listing
corresponding to the listing request is available. If it is
determined at step 413 that the listing corresponding to the
listing request is available, the process 400 proceeds to step 414.
In a typical embodiment, the listing may be, for example, a
specific wireline or wireless telephone number and/or address of a
residence or business. At step 414, the listing corresponding to
the listing request is stored. At step 416, the VFN 214 launches a
query to the advertisement servers 226, 228 to select at least one
advertisement most relevant to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 by
accessing a profile of the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 stored within
the at least one database 242. At step 418, at least one
advertisement most relevant to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
selected in order to be presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
The advertisement servers 226, 228 store a plurality of
advertisements that may be presented to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The type of advertisements can be controlled to a highly
specific degree. For example, if a caller 102, 104, 106, 108 places
a call to the free DAS 112 and is interested in obtaining the
number for a pizza restaurant, a plurality of advertisement for
pizza specials in the caller's locality may be presented.
[0039] At step 420, the at least one selected advertisement is
presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 along with the listing.
In some embodiments, the listing may be presented to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 via, for example, a recorded announcement, a
text message, an e-mail message, or any other suitable means. At
step 422, it is determined if the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has
selected the at least one advertisement presented to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108.
[0040] If it is determined at step 422 that the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 has not selected at least one of the at least one
advertisement, the process 400 proceeds to step 426. At step 426,
the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to the initially
requested number. However, if it is determined at step 422 that the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has selected at least one of the at least
one advertisement presented, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
connected at step 424, for example, to the business running the at
least one selected advertisement. The process 400 proceeds from
steps 424 and 426 to step 428. At step 428, the caller profile is
updated and the process ends at step 442.
[0041] If it is determined at step 412 that the speech recognition
system 224 has failed to recognize the listing request, the process
400 proceeds to step 430. The process 400 proceeds from step 430 to
step 431. If it is determined at step 413 that the listing
corresponding to the listing request is unavailable, the process
400 proceeds to step 430. At step 430, the listing corresponding to
the listing request is deemed to have failed. In a typical
embodiment, the listing request failure may be, for example, due to
the speech recognition system 224 having failed to recognize the
listing request and/or the listing being unavailable.
[0042] At step 431, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is informed that
the listing request has failed. At step 432, the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 is asked whether the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
interested in being transferred to a chargeable operator service
system (OSS) 114. At step 433, it is determined whether the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 has opted to be transferred to the chargeable
OSS 114. If it is determined at step 433 that the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 has not opted to be transferred to the chargeable OSS 114,
the process 400 ends at step 442. However, if it is determined at
step 433 that the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has opted to be
transferred to the chargeable OSS 114, the process 400 proceeds to
step 434.
[0043] In a typical embodiment, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 may
opt or decline transfer to the chargeable OSS 114 via, for example,
keying a known DTMF sequence of digits, saying a key-word,
answering to a prompt, or any other suitable means.
[0044] At step 434, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to
the chargeable OSS 114. At step 436, a live directory-assistance
operator determines the listing corresponding to the listing
request. At step 438, the listing corresponding to the listing
request is presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 and the
process 400 proceeds to step 440. At step 440, the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 is charged a fee for using the chargeable OSS 114. In a
typical embodiment, the charges for utilizing the chargeable OSS
114 are initiated by the telecommunications network at a standard
billing rate. According to some embodiments, the
directory-assistance based redirecting system 100 rather than the
telecommunications network generates a billing record or debits a
caller's account to charge for the directory-assistance call.
[0045] From step 440, the process 400 proceeds to step 426, at
which step the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to a number
corresponding to the listing request. The process 400 proceeds from
step 426 to step 428. At step 428, the caller profile is updated
and the process ends at step 442.
[0046] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a flow diagram of a
directory-assistance based redirecting process 500. For
illustrative purposes, the process 500 will be described in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-3. The process 500 starts at step 502. At
step 504, a caller associated with one of the communication devices
102, 104, 106, 108 places a call requesting information to the free
directory-assistance system (DAS) 112. For example, the caller 102,
104, 106, 108 may reach the free DAS 112 by dialing a specific
phone number such as, for example, 1-800-CALLERS. At step 506, the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to the free DAS 112. At step
508, marketing information is provided to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The marketing information may be, for example, at least one
advertisement. The at least one advertisement may be, for example,
a recorded announcement of an audible or visual nature. The at
least one advertisement presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108
is often selected randomly from a plurality of advertisements
stored at the advertisement servers 226 and 228.
[0047] At step 510, the voice feature node (VFN) 214 prompts the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 for a listing request. In some
embodiments, the VFN 214 utilizes a speech recognition system 224
to recognize the listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The speech recognition system 224 recognizes and interprets
spoken language from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108. At step 511, a
response from the caller is received. At step 512, it is determined
whether the speech recognition system 224 has recognized the
listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
[0048] If it is determined at step 512 that the speech recognition
system 224 has recognized the listing request, the process 500
proceeds to step 513. At step 513, it is determined if a listing
corresponding to the listing request is available. If it is
determined at step 513 that the listing corresponding to the
listing request is available, the process 500 proceeds to step 514.
In a typical embodiment, the listing may be, for example, a
specific wireline or wireless telephone number and/or address of a
residence or business. At step 514, the listing corresponding to
the listing request is stored. At step 516, the VFN 214 launches a
query to the advertisement servers 226, 228 to select at least one
advertisement most relevant to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 by
accessing a profile of the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 stored within
the at least one database 242. At step 518, at least one
advertisement most relevant to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
selected in order to be presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
The advertisement servers 226, 228 store a plurality of
advertisements that may be presented to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The type of advertisements can be controlled to a highly
specific degree. For example, if a caller 102, 104, 106, 108 places
a call to the free DAS 112 and is interested in obtaining the
number for a pizza restaurant, a plurality of advertisement for
pizza specials in the caller's locality may be presented.
[0049] At step 520, the at least one selected advertisement is
presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 along with the listing.
In some embodiments, the listing may be presented to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 via, for example, a recorded announcement, a
text message, an e-mail message, or any other suitable means. At
step 522, it is determined if the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has
selected the at least one advertisement presented to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108.
[0050] If it is determined at step 522 that the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 has not selected at least one of the at least one
advertisement, the process 500 proceeds to step 526. At step 526,
the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to the initially
requested number. However, if it is determined at step 522 that the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has selected at least one of the at least
one advertisement presented, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
connected at step 524, for example, to the business running the at
least one selected advertisement. The process 500 proceeds from
steps 524 and 526 to step 528. At step 528, the caller profile is
updated and the process ends at step 546. If it is determined at
step 512 that the speech recognition system 224 has failed to
recognize the listing request, the process 500 proceeds to step
530.
[0051] If it is determined at step 513 that the listing
corresponding to the listing request is unavailable, the process
500 proceeds to step 530. At step 530, it is determined if future
preferences for the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 exist within the CDC
310 of the chargeable OSS 114. The preferences may be, for example,
permission granted by the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 in a previous
directory-assistance call to automatically redirect a
directory-assistance call between the free DAS 112 and the
chargeable OSS 114 without permission from the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 every time the free DAS 112 is unable to recognize the
listing request or if the listing corresponding to the listing
request is unavailable. If it is determined at step 530 that future
preferences for the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 exist, the process
500 proceeds to step 538. At step 538, the caller 102, 104, 106,
108 is connected to the chargeable OSS 114. At step 540, a live
directory-assistance operator determines the listing corresponding
to the listing request. At step 542, the listing corresponding to
the listing request is presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108
and the process 500 proceeds to step 544. At step 544, the caller
is charged a fee for using the chargeable OSS 114. In a typical
embodiment, the charges for utilizing the chargeable OSS 114 are
initiated by the telecommunications network at a standard billing
rate. According to some embodiments, the directory-assistance based
redirecting system 100 rather than the telecommunications network
generates a billing record or debits a callers account to charge
for the directory-assistance call.
[0052] From step 544, the process 500 proceeds to step 526, at
which step the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to a number
corresponding to the listing request. The process 500 proceeds from
step 526 to step 528. At step 528, the caller profile is updated
and the process ends at step 546.
[0053] However, if it is determined at step 530 that future
preferences for the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 do not exist, the
process 500 proceeds to step 531. At step 531, the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 is asked whether the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
interested in being transferred to a chargeable operator service
system (OSS) 114. At step 532, it is determined whether the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 has opted to be transferred to the chargeable
OSS 114. If it is determined at step 532 that the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 has not opted to be transferred to the chargeable OSS 114,
the process 500 ends at step 546. However, if it is determined at
step 532 that the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has opted to be
transferred to the chargeable OSS 114, the process 500 proceeds to
step 534.
[0054] In a typical embodiment, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 may
opt or decline transfer to the chargeable OSS 114 via, for example,
keying a known DTMF sequence of digits, saying a key-word,
answering to a prompt, or any other suitable means.
[0055] At step 534, it is determined if the caller 102, 104, 106,
108 has opted to store preferences for the future. The preferences
may be, for example, permission granted by the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 to automatically redirect a directory-assistance call
between the free DAS 112 and the chargeable OSS 114 without
permission from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 every time the free
DAS 112 is unable to recognize the listing request or the if the
listing is unavailable. If it is determined at step 534 that the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 gives permission to store preferences for
future directory-assistance calls, the process proceed to step 536.
At step 536, caller preferences are stored for future
directory-assistance calls and the process 500 proceeds to step
538. However, if it is determined at step 534 that the caller 102,
104, 106, 108 declines permission to store preferences for future
directory-assistance calls, the process proceed to step 538.
[0056] At step 538, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to
the chargeable OSS 114. At step 540, a live directory-assistance
operator determines the listing corresponding to the listing
request. At step 542, the listing corresponding to the listing
request is presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 and the
process 500 proceeds to step 544. At step 544, the caller is
charged a fee for using the chargeable OSS 114. In a typical
embodiment, the charges for utilizing the chargeable OSS 114 are
initiated by the telecommunications network at a standard billing
rate. According to some embodiments, the directory-assistance based
redirecting system 100 rather than the telecommunications network
generates a billing record or debits the caller's account to charge
for the directory-assistance call.
[0057] From step 544, the process 500 proceeds to step 526, at
which step the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to a number
corresponding to the listing request. The process 500 proceeds from
step 526 to step 528. At step 528, the caller profile is updated
and the process ends at step 546.
[0058] FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a flow diagram of a
directory-assistance based redirecting process 600. For
illustrative purposes, the process 600 will be described in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-3. The process 600 starts at step 602. At
step 604, a caller associated with one of the communication devices
102, 104, 106, 108 places a call requesting information to the free
directory-assistance system (DAS) 112. For example, the caller 102,
104, 106, 108 may reach the free DAS 112 by dialing a specific
phone number such as, for example, 1-800-CALLERS. At step 606, the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to the free DAS 112. At step
608, marketing information is provided to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The marketing information may be, for example, at least one
advertisement. The at least one advertisement may be, for example,
a recorded announcement of an aural or visual nature. The at least
one advertisement presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
often selected randomly from a plurality of advertisements stored
at the advertisement servers 226 and 228.
[0059] At step 610, the voice feature node (VFN) 214 prompts the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 for a listing request. In some
embodiments, the VFN 214 utilizes a speech recognition system 224
to recognize the listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The speech recognition system 224 recognizes and interprets
spoken language from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108. At step 611, a
response from the caller is received. At step 612, it is determined
whether the speech recognition system 224 has recognized the
listing request from the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
[0060] If it is determined at step 612 that the speech recognition
system 224 has recognized the listing request, the process 600
proceeds to step 613. At step 613, it is determined if a listing
corresponding to the listing request is available. If it is
determined at step 613 that the listing corresponding to the
listing request is available, the process 600 proceeds to step 614.
In a typical embodiment, the listing may be, for example, a
specific wireline or wireless telephone number and/or address of a
residence or business. At step 614, the listing corresponding to
the listing request is stored. At step 616, the VFN 214 launches a
query to the advertisement servers 226, 228 to select at least one
advertisement most relevant to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 by
accessing a profile of the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 stored within
the at least one database 242. At step 618, at least one
advertisement most relevant to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
selected in order to be presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108.
The advertisement servers 226, 228 store a plurality of
advertisements that may be presented to the caller 102, 104, 106,
108. The type of advertisements can be controlled to a highly
specific degree. For example, if a caller 102, 104, 106, 108 places
a call to the free DAS 112 and is interested in obtaining the
number for a pizza restaurant, a plurality of advertisement for
pizza specials in the caller's locality may be presented.
[0061] At step 620, the at least one selected advertisement is
presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 along with the listing.
In some embodiments, the listing may be presented to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 via, for example, a recorded announcement, a
text message, an e-mail message, or any other suitable means. At
step 622, it is determined if the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has
selected the at least one advertisement presented to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108.
[0062] If it is determined at step 622 that the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 has not selected at least one of the at least one
advertisement, the process 600 proceeds to step 626. At step 626,
the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to number corresponding
to the listing request. However, if it is determined at step 622
that the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has selected at least one of the
at least one advertisement presented, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108
is connected at step 624, for example, to the business running the
at least one selected advertisement. The process 600 proceeds from
steps 624 and 626 to step 628. At step 628, the caller profile is
updated and the process ends at step 652.
[0063] If it is determined at step 612 that the speech recognition
system 224 has failed to recognize the listing request, the process
600 proceeds to step 630. If it is determined at step 613 that the
listing corresponding to the listing request is unavailable, the
process 600 proceeds to step 630. At step 630, it is determined if
future preferences for the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 exist within
the CDC 310 of the chargeable OSS 114. The preferences may be, for
example, permission granted by the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 in a
previous directory-assistance call to automatically redirect a
directory-assistance call between the free DAS 112 and the
chargeable OSS 114 without permission from the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 every time the free DAS 112 is unable to recognize the
listing request or if the listing corresponding to the listing
request is unavailable. If it is determined at step 630 that future
preferences for the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 exist, the process
600 proceeds to step 638. At step 638, the caller 102, 104, 106,
108 is connected to the chargeable OSS 114. At step 640, automation
circuitry 303 of the chargeable OSS 114 communicates with the VFN
214 of the free DAS 112 to obtain the listing request information
as provided by the VFN 214.
[0064] At step 642, it is determined if the listing request
obtained from the VFN 214 is recognized. If it is determined at
step 642 that the listing request obtained from the VFN 214 is not
recognized, the process 600 proceeds to step 643. At step 643, the
automation circuitry 303 of the chargeable OSS 114 determines if a
recorded caller's listing request response is available. If it is
determined at step 643 that no recorded caller response is
available, the process 600 proceeds to step 644. At step 644, the
automation circuitry 303 of the chargeable OSS 114 prompts the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 for a listing request and the process 600
proceeds to step 646. If it is determined at step 643 that the
recorded caller response obtained from the VFN 214 is available,
the process 600 proceeds to step 646. At step 646, a live
directory-assistance operator determines the listing corresponding
to the listing request and the process 600 proceeds to step
648.
[0065] However, if it is determined at step 642 that the listing
request information obtained from the VFN 214 is recognized, the
process 600 proceeds to step 646. At step 646, the live
directory-assistance operator determines the listing request and
the process 600 proceeds to step 648. At step 648, the listing
corresponding to the listing request is presented to the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 and the process 600 proceeds to step 650. At
step 650, the caller is charged a fee for using the chargeable OSS
114. In a typical embodiment, the charges for utilizing the
chargeable OSS 114 are initiated by the telecommunications network
at a standard billing rate. According to some embodiments, the
directory-assistance based redirecting system 100 rather than the
telecommunications network generates a billing record or debits the
caller's account to charge for the directory-assistance call.
[0066] From step 650, the process 600 proceeds to step 626, at
which step the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to a number
corresponding to the listing request. The process 600 proceeds from
step 626 to step 628. At step 628, the caller profile is updated
and the process ends at step 652.
[0067] However, if it is determined at step 630 that future
preferences for the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 do not exist, the
process 600 proceeds to step 631. At step 631, the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 is asked whether the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is
interested in being transferred to a chargeable operator service
system (OSS) 114. At step 632, it is determined whether the caller
102, 104, 106, 108 has opted to be transferred to the chargeable
OSS 114. If it is determined at step 632 that the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 has not opted to be transferred to the chargeable OSS 114,
the process 600 ends at step 652. However, if it is determined at
step 632 that the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 has opted to be
transferred to the chargeable OSS 114, the process 600 proceeds to
step 634.
[0068] In a typical embodiment, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 may
opt or decline transfer to the chargeable OSS 114 via, for example,
keying a known DTMF sequence of digits, saying a key-word,
answering to a prompt, or any other suitable means.
[0069] At step 634, it is determined if the caller 102, 104, 106,
108 has opted to store preferences for the future. The preferences
may be, for example, permission granted by the caller 102, 104,
106, 108 to automatically redirect a directory-assistance call
between the free DAS 112 to the chargeable OSS 114 without asking
the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 for permission every time the free
DAS 112 is unable to recognize the listing request or if the
listing corresponding to the listing request is unavailable. If it
is determined at step 634 that the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 gives
permission to store preferences for future directory-assistance
calls, the process proceed to step 636. At step 636, caller
preferences are stored for future directory-assistance calls and
the process 600 proceeds to step 638. However, if it is determined
at step 634 that the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 declines permission
to store preferences for future directory-assistance calls, the
process proceed to step 638.
[0070] At step 638, the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to
the chargeable OSS 114. At step 640, automation circuitry 303 of
the chargeable OSS 114 communicates with the VFN 214 of the free
DAS 112 to obtain the listing request information as provided by
the VFN 214. At step 642, it is determined if the listing request
obtained from the VFN 214 is recognized. If it is determined at
step 642 that the listing request obtained from the VFN 214 is not
recognized, the process 600 proceeds to step 643. At step 643, the
automation circuitry 303 of the chargeable OSS 114 determines if a
recorded caller's listing request response is available. If it is
determined at step 643 that no recorded caller response is
available, the process 600 proceeds to step 644. At step 644, the
automation circuitry 303 of the chargeable OSS 114 prompts the
caller 102, 104, 106, 108 for a listing request and the process 600
proceeds to step 646. If it is determined at step 643 that the
recorded caller response obtained from the VFN 214 is available,
the process 600 proceeds to step 646. At step 646, a live
directory-assistance operator determines the listing corresponding
to the listing request and the process 600 proceeds to step
648.
[0071] However, if it is determined at step 642 that the listing
request obtained from the VFN 214 is recognized, the process 600
proceeds to step 646. At step 646, the live directory-assistance
operator determines the listing request and the process 600
proceeds to step 648. At step 648, the listing corresponding to the
listing request is presented to the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 and
the process 600 proceeds to step 650. At step 650, the caller is
charged a fee for using the chargeable OSS 114. In a typical
embodiment, the charges for utilizing the chargeable OSS 114 are
initiated by the telecommunications network at a standard billing
rate. According to some embodiments, the directory-assistance based
redirecting system 100 rather than the telecommunications network
generates a billing record or debits the caller's account to charge
for the directory-assistance call.
[0072] From step 650, the process 600 proceeds to step 626, at
which step the caller 102, 104, 106, 108 is connected to a number
corresponding to the listing request. The process 600 proceeds from
step 626 to step 628. At step 628, the caller profile is updated
and the process ends at step 652.
[0073] It should be noted that the term "directory-assistance"
refers to a phone service used to determine a specific wireline or
wireless telephone number and/or address of a residence or
business. The term "directory-assistance call" refers to a call
made to determine a specific wireline or wireless telephone number
and/or address of a residence or business. The directory-assistance
call may come from, for example, a wireline telephone, a wireless
(cellular) telephone, a VOIP (Internet) telephone, a Satellite
telephone, or a personal computer. The term "listing" refers to a
specific wireline or wireless telephone number and/or address of a
residence or business.
[0074] Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the
method and system as disclosed is not limited to
directory-assistance calls and can be implemented on calls placed
by callers requesting other information such as, for example, movie
listings, movie times, insurance information, and the like.
Principles of the invention may be applied to any automated system
that permits callers to obtain information therefrom.
[0075] Although various embodiments of the method and system of the
present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying
Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it
will be understood that the invention is not limited to the
embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements,
modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit
of the invention as set forth herein.
* * * * *